Although the toss didn’t favour India, a brilliant job by its bowlers and fielders helped the team restrict Pakistan to (241) in game 5 of Champions Trophy 2025. With this, Team India lost the toss in 12 successive ODIs. It seemed Pakistan had a good start, but India managed to get rid of both openers quickly. Hardik Pandya provided a much-needed breakthrough and dismissed in-form Babar Azam (23). A brilliant through from Axar Patel sent Imam-ul-Haq to the pavilion.

However, Saud Shakeel (62) and skipper Rizwan (46) tried hard to ensure they didn’t throw their wickets. As a result, the scoreboard moved at a slower pace. Since then, Indian bowlers have controlled the game and never allowed Pakistan to free their arms.

First, Hardik Pandya and later Kuldeep Yadav continued to trouble Pakistan batters. A remarkable team effort by India forced the opposition to activate defensive mode. Kusdil Shah wanted to go berserk towards the end, but it was too late. By the end of their innings, the Men in Green only managed to put 241 on the board. Pakistan should aim at early breakthroughs while defending. A loss here complicates their chances in the tournament.

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Team India needs a good start to keep themselves active in the chase. With Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Abrar, the chase wouldn’t be that easy. Indians should never allow pressure to overtake them. A win here will cement India’s position in the semis.

Will India chase the target and register another victory against arch-rivals in Pakistan. Let’s wait for the chase.

Turning Point of the Game:
Kuldeep Yadav took three wickets in short succession to leave the hosts reeling after Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya helped India bounce back from a third-wicket 100-run partnership from Pakistan. While Hardik got rid of half-centurion Saud Shakeel, Axar got rid of Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan. The hosts lost half of their team as Ravindra Jadeja took out Tayyab Tahir for just six runs. Kuldeep then removed Naseem Shah after dismissing Salman Agha and Shaheen Shah Afridi in consecutive deliveries. After 49 overs, Pakistan is at 241 for 9 runs with 5 wickets lost.

After losing both of their openers, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam, during the powerplay, Pakistan had previously bounced back. Imam-ul-Haq was caught short of his crease by a spectacular direct hit.After dismissing Babar Azam, Hardik gave India a much-needed breakthrough. In their crucial match against bitter rivals India in the ongoing 2025 Champions Trophy on Sunday, Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan won the toss and immediately decided to bat first. Pakistan’s starting lineup has seen one alteration. India stays the same, although injured Fakhar Zaman is replaced by opener Imam-ul-Haq.

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